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Savvy Senior: Misleading Medicare Advantage Ads: What to Look Out For
Article narration provided by Wondervox.
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
I’m currently enrolled in original Medicare but have been thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period. Many of the Medicare Advantage ads I’ve seen offer lots of extra benefits beyond what traditional Medicare offers and no monthly premiums. What are your thoughts?
Considering a Switch
Dear Considering,
Be very leery of the Medicare Advantage ads on TV, radio, social media and that come in the mail. While many of these ads may tout free vision, hearing, dental and other benefits with zero monthly premiums, they aren’t always what they claim to be.
Advantage Basics
Medicare Advantage or MA plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors in a geographic area. You can sign up for one of them during open-enrollment season from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey Vaugh: Adolescence in Cats
One of our listeners, Teague, sent in seven very thoughtful questions about adolescence in cats. This is a crucial period for your cat, as the kitten social development period is, that can dictate their personality as an adult. Learn when adolescence is, the behaviors to expect, and the best way to mitigate behavior issues during this time.
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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LGBTSr Merch Mug: Now You Can Help Support LGBTSr and Enjoy Your Coffee, Too!
What better way to start your day than with a cup or mug of your favorite beverage! Now you can enjoy your morning routine and help support LGBTSr at the same time.
These mugs are available at my Shopify store, MadeMarkShop.com. Make your mark with MadeMark. Choices include fancy mug with blue interior, basic mug, and a jumbo mug for the serious coffee drinkers like me.
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Brad Shreve Brings the Good News with Queer We Are Weekly Newsletter: Keeping it Positive
Exhausted by the constant barrage of a bad-news-driven media? Weary of being told to fret, fear and freakout? Then this newsletter is for you – and me!
We have so many things to celebrate, honor and be … well, happy about. With the Queer We Are Good News newsletter, you can get that bad news vax and keep the sadz away. You can always head back to the Washington Post, New York Times, or any 24/7 cable news channel for a heaping helping of toxic talk. This newsletter will be your armor. As someone once said, time is a non-renewable resource. Don’t spend it all on end-of-the-world clickbait. Sign up now and start your week right!
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The Twist Podcast #244: House Speaker Squeaker, Belize Please, and an Interview with Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous
Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we strap back into the hotseat after a few weeks off. We chat about the House Speaker Follies, Rick’s upcoming trip to Belize, and enjoy an interview with Rob Pero, Found of Canndigenous, a Native-owned CBD company dedicated to helping the indigenous community it supports.
Rob Pero is a serial entrepreneur, savvy marketer, and proud member of the Bad River Tribe. Like preceding generations of Ojibwe people, his core values are rooted in love for family, support for community, respect for the natural world, and a commitment to doing everything, as the Ojibwe say, ‘in a good way’.
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The Twist Podcast #244: House Speaker Squeaker, Belize Please, and an Interview with Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous
Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we strap back into the hotseat after a few weeks off. We chat about the House Speaker Follies, Rick’s upcoming trip to Belize, and enjoy an interview with Rob Pero, Found of Canndigenous, a Native-owned CBD company dedicated to helping the indigenous community it supports.
Rob Pero is a serial entrepreneur, savvy marketer, and proud member of the Bad River Tribe. Like preceding generations of Ojibwe people, his core values are rooted in love for family, support for community, respect for the natural world, and a commitment to doing everything, as the Ojibwe say, ‘in a good way’.
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MadeMark Publishing Now on Shopify – That’s Me!
You have to start somewhere. My eBooks will all be on Shopify soon. And I’ll be using my storefront for much more. Stay tuned!
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Ann Cleeves Hits Another Homerun in the Matthew Venn Series
Narration provided by Wondervox.
Cross-posted from LGBTSr.com.
By Mark McNease
I’ll be talking some more about Ann Cleeves’ Matthew Venn series on the upcoming Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast.
What stands out in this series is the exploration of identity, relationships, and the shades of gray in between. It’s an effective combination of a gripping mystery and a deep, personal journey.
I’m a relatively recent fan of established mystery master Ann Cleeves. With her intricate plots and deep, complex characters, it’s no surprise that this British author is one of the leading figures in contemporary mystery fiction. She creates atmospheric settings that make you feel like you’re right there on scene, whether it’s the wild and windy Shetland Islands or the quaint, secluded villages of Northumberland.
She’s invented some of the most iconic detective characters in contemporary fiction: Jimmy Perez from the ‘Shetland’ series, and Vera Stanhope from the ‘Vera Stanhope’ series. Both protagonists exhibit layers of complexity that make them as unpredictable as the mysteries they’re trying to solve. They become like old friends who you’ve known forever, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
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Ann Cleeves Hits Another Homerun in the Matthew Venn Series
Narration provided by Wondervox.
By Mark McNease
I’ll be talking some more about Ann Cleeves’ Matthew Venn series on the upcoming Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast.
What stands out in this series is the exploration of identity, relationships, and the shades of gray in between. It’s an effective combination of a gripping mystery and a deep, personal journey.
I’m a relatively recent fan of established mystery master Ann Cleeves. With her intricate plots and deep, complex characters, it’s no surprise that this British author is one of the leading figures in contemporary mystery fiction. She creates atmospheric settings that make you feel like you’re right there on scene, whether it’s the wild and windy Shetland Islands or the quaint, secluded villages of Northumberland.
She’s invented some of the most iconic detective characters in contemporary fiction: Jimmy Perez from the ‘Shetland’ series, and Vera Stanhope from the ‘Vera Stanhope’ series. Both protagonists exhibit layers of complexity that make them as unpredictable as the mysteries they’re trying to solve. They become like old friends who you’ve known forever, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
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Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: 9 Tips for Helping a Senior Citizen to Develop Digital Literacy
Narration provided by Wondervox.
The following was re-printed with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources
By Jaslene Cabello
When discussing the benefits and drawbacks of digital technology, there’s one demographic that’s often left out and taken for granted: that of our distinguished senior citizens. Elderly parents and grandparents are oftentimes stereotyped in humorous memes featuring their cluelessness about technology and how it works.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has shown everyone just how transformative technology is for all ages. When grandparents were forbidden to leave their homes, many were forced to learn technologies like video conferencing, online banking, and how to use delivery apps to meet their needs.
That said, the elderly population remains one of the most vulnerable targets for cybercriminals and scammers. In Singapore alone, the number of senior citizens falling prey to phishing scams tripled from 2020 to 2021. Many seniors also lack the digital literacy skills to spot fake news or fabricated photo or video evidence, which can cause panic and fearmongering within their families and social circles.
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Guest Article: Crafting a Secure Retirement and Healthcare Safety Net Beyond Social Security and Medicare
Narration provided by Wondervox.Â
By Michael Longsdon
Elderfreedom.netPlanning for retirement and ensuring adequate healthcare coverage are paramount in securing your financial future. While Social Security and Medicare are essential components, they may not be sufficient on their own. In this guide, we’ll explore key strategies to create a robust safety net that isn’t reliant solely on these government programs.
Investing in Insurance to Protect Your Finances
One critical step toward ensuring your financial stability during retirement is purchasing disability and long-term care insurance. These specialized insurance policies act as a financial cushion, poised to provide necessary support in the face of unanticipated health crises or physical impairments. By doing so, they play a vital role in safeguarding your hard-earned savings, allowing you to navigate healthcare challenges without jeopardizing your financial future.
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An App for That: WhatsApp Makes Communicating Anywhere Easy and Free
Narration provided by Wondervox.
By Mark McNease
I’d heard about WhatsApp for the past few years but never took the time to learn anything about it. I figured it was just another app among the dozens most of us have on our phones, and I didn’t think I would have any use for it. Then we went on a cruise and a travelling friend of ours suggested we all download the app so we could text and call each other using the ship’s wi-fi. I wasn’t convinced, but I did it anyway … and loved it.
And then, a friend who is moving to Brazil in two weeks told me that was how he got and received calls, after I’d asked him to make sure I get his new number. “It’s the same,” he said. “We use WhatsApp.”
For the uninitiated like me, WhatsApp uses the internet to make phone calls, as well as send encrypted texts. It reminds me of Skype in some ways, but for phones, and more ubiquitous. Rather than calling a username, you’re calling a phone number that can be used anywhere in the world. (Our cell phone numbers belong to us, not to our wireless carriers, and they’re portable.)
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Health Beat: What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Narration provided by Wondervox.
By Mark McNease
After experiencing increasing and chronic pain in my thighs, I finally went to see my primary care doctor. His diagnosis? Most likely restless leg syndrome (RLS). I’ll admit to being surprised, because I’d always imagined that as causing a visible shaking or twitching in the legs. What I didn’t know is that it can be low-grade, and it can happen while you sleep! As he explained it, my legs could be twitching almost imperceptibly while I slept, keeping them from resting and rejuvenating. The result is a pain and tiredness that was becoming slightly debilitating.
Restless leg syndrome didn’t seem to be in the public consciousness until fairly recently, and I was one of those who questioned how prevalent it was. When I first saw drug commercials for it, I thought it might be another of the discoveries being made weekly that require another medication, helpfully manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical companies. And then it happened to me. I know what it’s like to have an ailment that almost seems as if it’s in my imagination. If you’re experiencing this, rest assured it’s real.
For me, the doctor prescribed Ropinirole. It’s commonly used for Parkinson’s (don’t let that alarm you) and for restless leg syndrome. The results were immediate. The pain is mostly gone, and began subsiding within a couple days. And a side effect is that I sleep soundly, something that has been an issue for me for years.
